1. Size and Weight Categories
Trucks are often classified based on their size and gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).
Light-Duty Trucks (GVWR ≤ 14,000 lbs)
Pickup Trucks
Compact Pickup
Full-Size Pickup
Heavy-Duty Pickup
Vans
Cargo Vans
Passenger Vans
Minivans
Medium-Duty Trucks (GVWR: 14,001 – 26,000 lbs)
Box Truck (Delivery Truck)
Flatbed Truck
Utility Truck
Tow Truck (Wrecker)
RVs (Recreational Vehicles)
Heavy-Duty Trucks (GVWR ≥ 26,001 lbs)
Semi-Trucks (Tractor Trailers)
Day Cab
Sleeper Cab
Dump Trucks
Garbage Trucks
Cement Mixer Trucks
Fire Trucks
Tanker Trucks
2. Body Type Categories
Trucks can be categorized by their body type, which affects their functionality.
Pickup Truck
Single Cab
Extended Cab
Crew Cab
Flatbed Truck
Light-Duty Flatbed
Heavy-Duty Flatbed
Box Truck/Van
Dry Van Box Truck
Refrigerated Box Truck
Dump Truck
Standard Dump Truck
Transfer Dump Truck
Side Dump Truck
Super Dump Truck
Tanker Truck
Fuel Tanker
Chemical Tanker
Water Tanker
Milk Tanker
Utility Truck
Service Body Truck
Bucket Truck (Cherry Picker)
Crane Truck
Tow Truck
Flatbed Tow Truck
Hook and Chain Tow Truck
Integrated Tow Truck (Heavy-Duty)
Wheel-Lift Tow Truck
3. Purpose/Usage Categories
Trucks can also be classified based on their specific purpose or the industry they serve.
Commercial Trucks
Delivery Truck
Box Truck
Cargo Truck
Construction Trucks
Dump Truck
Cement Mixer
Crane Truck
Emergency Trucks
Fire Truck
Ambulance
Agricultural Trucks
Grain Truck
Livestock Truck
Crew Cab
Utility and Maintenance Trucks
Snow Plow Truck
Service Trucks (Used by repair professionals)
Bucket Truck (Used for electrical/telephone maintenance)
4. Drive Train Categories
Classified based on how power is distributed to the wheels.
2-Wheel Drive (2WD)
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
6-Wheel Drive (6WD)
Often found in military or heavy-duty off-road trucks.
4-Wheel Drive (4WD)
All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
5. Fuel Type Categories
Classified based on the type of fuel or energy used by the truck.
Diesel
Light-Duty Diesel
Heavy-Duty Diesel
Gasoline
Hybrid (Gasoline-Electric)
Electric (EV)
Natural Gas (CNG/LNG)
Hydrogen Fuel Cell
6. Axle Configuration Categories
Trucks are often categorized based on the number of axles they have, which influences their load capacity.
Single-Axle Truck
Tandem-Axle Truck
Tri-Axle Truck
Common in dump trucks, cement mixers
Quad-Axle Truck
Used for hauling heavy loads over longer distances
5-Axle Truck
Used in semi-trucks and large heavy-duty vehicles
7. Cab and Chassis Categories
Trucks are categorized based on their cab configuration and chassis setup.
Cabover (COE) – Cab Over Engine
Common in Europe and Asia, with the cab sitting above the engine.
Conventional Cab
Common in the U.S., where the engine is in front of the cab.
Crew Cab
Larger cab for more passengers, usually four doors.
Extended Cab
Smaller rear seating area, with either smaller doors or no rear doors.
Chassis Cab
A basic truck frame with cab and no dedicated body, allowing for custom body configurations.
8. Industry-Specific Trucks
Some trucks are designed for very specific industries or tasks.
Logging Truck
Specifically designed for hauling timber.
Refrigerated Truck (Reefer)
Used for transporting perishable goods.
Cement Mixer
Used for transporting and mixing concrete on the go.
Garbage Truck
Front Loader
Rear Loader
Side Loader
Military Trucks
Armored Trucks
Tactical Trucks
Troop Carriers
Mining Trucks
Ultra-class Haul Trucks (e.g., Caterpillar 797)
Airport Trucks
Aircraft Refuelers
Aircraft Tugs
9. Special-Purpose Vehicles
Trucks that are designed for unique or rare tasks.
Armored Trucks
Used for transporting valuable goods, like money.
Hazardous Material (Hazmat) Trucks
Designed for safely transporting dangerous chemicals or gases.
Sweepers
Street sweepers for cleaning urban areas.
10. Customization and Modification Categories
Trucks can also be categorized based on aftermarket modifications or custom designs.